"We were contacted by a Muslim woman - she sent a message saying she wants to attend [the Exeter march]. We have to provide some protection and we are hoping to facilitate her attending," Ablitt told IBTimes UK.

Reports from the demonstration today have emerged of EDL members donning burkhas and "praying in the streets."

EDL have two people dressed in Burkhas praying on New North Road - march about to start #edlmarch

A police spokesman told local media: "We are prepared for a large march to happen. There will be a high police presence in the city, even though we have received no information to suggest there will be any violence or disorder.

"We respect the right to peaceful protest. But if people overstep the mark, we will deal with them accordingly and robustly."